Summer is officially here and I can’t wait to show off my hot girl outfits. With the world at our fingertips, 2022 is proving to be the biggest fashion awakening of our generation. Unlike the last two years of understated looks and neutral combinations, this season’s trends are brighter and bolder than ever. Reminiscent of the early 2000s, this year has become a revival of an era when fashion knew no bounds and pushed beyond our creative limitations.
Beyond style, the most fashion-worthy moments are the juxtapositions of an outfit. You may see the fashion girlies rocking a corset, cargo pants, and sneakers one day and a babydoll dress with platform wedges the next. From low-rise waistlines to never-ending hems, this is the season to put self-expression at the forefront by dressing how you feel even if it means doing the bare minimum. Regardless of the day’s mood, implementing just one of these summer trends gives major main character energy.
Scroll to see my top picks below.
1. Maxi Skirts
Courtesy of Brianna Monae
The feminine urge to wear summer maxis is in full effect and this time it's all about the bodycon silhouette. Dressed up or down, there's a maxi for any occasion. I love a beautiful maxi skirt paired with a chic top and a pair of kitten heel slides. Whatever combination, this style looks so classy and effortlessly dominates the room.
2. Cargo Pants
Courtesy of Blake Gifford / Photo Credit: Rachel Bires
There’s an obsession with cargo pants, I see them everywhere in L.A. Not that I don’t love the look, I could wear them every day. Worn high or low rise by gen z’s to millennials, I’m definitely a fan. A generational crossover, they have the cool and casual fashion that has women of all age groups in a chokehold. I give this summer staple a 10/10.
3. Cut Out Jeans
Courtesy of Shahirah Ahmed
I discovered cut out jeans on a trip to London this past spring and immediately wanted in on this eye-catching trend. This subtle pop of skin is such a compliment taking your denim look to another level. A hot girl summer includes taking risks so try this bold detail next time you're shopping for a fun pair of jeans.
4. Matching Sets
Courtesy of Flora
Matching sets are simply timeless so of course, it's one of my favorite trends this summer. This year we’re getting color, texture, and body. Skirt sets in particular are such a feminine touch, perfect for a European or tropical location. Pair with your favorite dainty gold jewelry and sunnies for a complete look.
5. Barbie Pink
Courtesy of Destinie Alexandria
Hot pink is the color of the season. A beautifully inviting hue, pink has been dominating the scene, especially when added as a pop to cool or darker tones. Worn from head to toe or as an electric accent, there’s always an excuse to implement in your everyday looks. Paired with a sneaker, this is the definition of casual cute.
6. Corset Tops
Courtesy of Mrs. Davis
Ultra-sleek and ultra-feminine, a corset top is definitely for the grown and sexy. I love a snatched waist and accentuated hip any time of the day or night. The versatility makes this lingerie turned ready-to-wear staple in a league of its own. Graceful in itself, dressed up or down, it brings the heat to any situation. I love mixing my favorite go-to’s, so this hot pink corset combination with the maxi skirt is winning.
7. Wrap Around Heels
Courtesy of L Y L E E H M
Believe it or not, wrap-around heels have been slowly making a comeback and now, they’ve finally arrived. Formerly known as “gladiators,” this season we’ll see a chicer more toned-down approach. The selections are endless with platform styles and sandals. Perfect for brunch or a girls' day out, this look is a summer statement.
8. Crochet
Courtesy of L Y L E E H M
The crocheted look is growing on me and I’m falling more in love with it every day. The summer looks are coming in and I’ve seen crochet grow from grandma sweaters to looks with sex appeal and a modest touch. Super chic, you can pair almost anything with this trend. Dress it up with your favorite accessories to really take it over the top.
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Featured image courtesy of Shahirah Ahmed/Instagram
We've commissioned these ladies, who are pillars in their respective industries, for tidbits of advice to get you through the best and worst days of mothering. Here, they share their "secret sauce" and advice for other moms trying to find their rhythm.
Emmelie De La Cruz, Chief Strategist at One Day CMO
"My mom friends and I all laugh and agree: Motherhood is the ghettoest thing you will ever do. It's beautiful and hard all at the same time, but one day you will wake up and feel like 'I got this' and you will get the hang of it. After 4 months, I finally felt like I found my footing to keep my kid and myself alive, but it took vulnerability to take off the cape and be honest about the areas that I didn't have it all together. The healing (physically and emotionally) truly does happen in community - whatever and whoever that looks like for you."
Alizè V. Garcia, Director Of Social & Community Impact at Nike
"I would tell a new mom or a prospective mother that they must give themselves grace, understand and remember there is no right way to do this thing and have fun! When I had my daughter three and a half years ago, I was petrified! I truly had no clue about what to do and how I was going to do it. But with time, my confidence grew and I realized quickly that I have all the tools I need to be the mother I want to be."
Nikki Osei-Barrett, Publicist + Co-Founder of The Momference
"There's no balance. I'm dropping sh*t everywhere! However, my secret sauce is pursuing interests and hobbies outside of what's required of me and finding time to workout. Stronger body equals = stronger mind."
Lauren Grove, Chief Experience Architect, The Grant Access, LLC
"I try to give myself grace. That’s my mantra for this phase of motherhood…grace. I won’t be able to get everything done. To have a spotless house. To not lose my cool after an exhausting day. Those things can’t happen all of the time. But I can take a deep breath and know tomorrow is another day and my blessings are more plentiful than my pitfalls."
Rachel Nicks, Founder & CEO of Birth Queen
"You have the answers within you. Don’t compare yourself to others. Curate your life to work for you. Ask for help."
Tanisha Colon-Bibb, Founder + CEO Rebelle Agency + Rebelle Management
"I know love doesn't pay bills but when I am overwhelmed with work or client demands I take a moment to play with my baby and be reminded of the love, energy, science, and Godliness that went into his birth. I am brightened by his smile and laugh. I remember I am someone's parent and not just a work horse. That at the end of the day everything will work out for the good of my sanity and the love within my life."
Christina Brown, Founder of LoveBrownSugar & BabyBrownSugar
"Learning your rhythm as a mom takes time and can be uncomfortable when you’re in a season of overwhelm. Constantly check in with yourself and assess what’s working and what’s not. Get the help you need without feeling guilty or ashamed of needing it."
Mecca Tartt, Executive Director of Startup Runway Foundation
"I want to be the best for myself, my husband, children and company. However, the reality is you can have it all but not at the same time. My secret sauce is outsourcing and realizing that it’s okay to have help in order for me to perform at the highest level."
Jen Hayes Lee, Head Of Marketing at The Bump (The Knot Worldwide)
"My secret sauce is being direct and honest with everyone around me about what I need to be successful in all of my various "jobs". Setting boundaries is one thing, but if you're the only one who knows they exist, your partners at home and on the job can't help you maintain them. I also talk to my kids like adults and let them know why mommy needs to go to this conference or get this massage...they need to build an appreciation for my needs too!"
Whitney Gayle-Benta, Chief Music Officer JKBX
"What helps me push through each day is the motivation to continue by thinking about my son. All my efforts, though exhausting, are to create a wonderful life for him."
Ezinne Okoro, Global Chief Inclusion, Equity, & Diversity Officer at Wunderman Thompson,
"The advice I received that I’ll pass on is, you will continue to figure it out and find your rhythm as your child grows into new stages. Trust your nurturing intuition, parent on your terms, and listen to your child."
Jovian Zayne, CEO of The OnPurpose Movement
"I live by the personal mantra: 'You can’t be your best self by yourself.' My life feels more balanced when I offer the help I can give and ask for the help I need. This might mean outsourcing housecleaning for my home, or hiring additional project management support for my business."
Simona Noce Wright, Co-Founder of District Motherhued and The Momference
"Each season of motherhood (depending on age, grade, workload) requires a different rhythm. With that said, be open to learning, to change, and understand that what worked for one season may not work the other...and that's okay."
Janaye Ingram, Director of Community Partner Programs and Engagement at Airbnb
"My daughter's smile and sweet spirit help me to feel gratitude when I'm overwhelmed. I want her to see a woman who doesn't quit when things get hard."
Codie Elaine Oliver, CEO & Founder of Black Love
"I try to listen to my body and simply take a break. With 3 kids and a business with 10+ team members, I often feel overwhelmed. I remind myself that I deserve grace for everything I'm juggling, I take a walk or have a snack or even head home to see my kids, and then I get back to whatever I need to get done."
Jewel Burks Solomon, Managing Partner at Collab Capital
"Get comfortable with the word ‘no’. Be very clear about your non-negotiables and communicate them to those around you."
Julee Wilson, Executive Director at BeautyUnited and Beauty Editor-at-Large at Cosmopolitan
"Understand you can’t do it alone — and that’s ok. Relinquish the need to control everything. Create a village and lean on them."
Salwa Benyaich, Director Of Pricing and Planning at Premion
"Most days I really try to shut my computer off by 6 pm; there are always exceptions of course when it comes to big deals or larger projects but having this as a baseline allows me to be much more present with my kids. I love the fact that I can either help with homework or be the designated driver to at least one afterschool activity. Work can be draining but there is nothing more emotionally draining than when you feel as though you are missing out on moments with your kids."
Brooke Ellis, Head of Global Marketing & Product Launches at Amazon Music
My calendar, prayer, pilates class at Forma, a good playlist, and oatmilk lattes all help get me through any day.
Courtney Beauzile, Global Director of Client and Business Development at Shearman & Sterling
My husband is a partner who steps in when I just can’t. My mom and my MIL come through whenever and however I need. My kids have many uncles and aunts and they will lend an ear, go over homework, teach life lessons, be a presence or a prayer warrior depending on the day.
Robin Snipes, Chief of Staff at Meta
"Enjoy the time you have to yourself because once kids come those times will be few and far between."
Monique Bivens, CEO & Founder at Brazilian Babes LLC.
"For new moms, it is very important that you get back into a habit or routine of something you use to do before you were pregnant. Consider the actives and things that give you the most joy and make the time to do them."
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Featured image by Westend61/Getty Images
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